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Small local shops and big-box home improvement stores have a variety of paints for everything from sink faucets to bathroom walls. This guide will save you from feeling overwhelmed in the paint aisle while you collect supplies for your bathroom remodel or update. Tempered Glass Panels
The best type of paint for bathrooms is a satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finish with a mildew-resistant additive. Ideally, your chosen paint should last a while. However, if you’re set on a flat or matte finish, there are options for you too. Don’t forget to clean and prime walls before painting for the best results.
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Humidity is a threat to the look and performance of paint. Moisture, like steam from your shower, can seep between the wall and coat of paint, creating unwanted texture, bubbling and peeling.
Paints with a glossy finish are moisture-resistant because once cured, satin and gloss finishes form a hard coat that blocks out water, allowing it to drip to the floor rather than seep through to the drywall or wood. High-gloss and enamel paints look, feel and act more like glass or a dry-erase board. Low-sheen paints like flat or eggshell finishes are softer and absorb moisture.
Avoid products made for external use only, like masonry paint. While paints intended for basements and exterior walls are more waterproof, they may contain hazardous amounts of mildewcide or other additives that can cause respiratory problems. When in doubt, hire a professional painter to quickly, safely and effectively paint your bathroom.
Use a primer to bond the paint to the wall and prevent peeling. Sticky primers with mildewcide additives will protect your walls for years to come. Here are labels to look for in the primer aisle:
A good primer is especially important if you want a low-sheen or no-gloss paint in the bathroom.
Professional painters generally steer people away from flat, matte and eggshell finishes for bathroom projects because soft paints are prone to mildew in high humidity. They also aren’t as easy to clean, an important feature for bathroom walls.
However, matte walls add a soft dimension to an otherwise smooth and glossy room, giving it a luxurious, designer appeal.
Thankfully, paint technology has come a long way in recent years. There are matte, flat and eggshell bathroom paints made to resist mildew and make cleaning easier. Look for these labels if you’re set on a low-sheen color:
Once these low-sheen paints have cured, you can clean your bathroom walls with soap, water and a smooth cloth.
Eggshell, while sometimes used synonymously with satin, is slightly less suitable for bathrooms than satin due to its texture and shares many of the same qualities as flat and matte paints.
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Satin sits between eggshell and gloss paints. It develops a slight protective coating making it a little easier to clean than no-sheen paints. Satin is a good choice for your bathroom if you want a softer-than-gloss texture with many benefits of a gloss finish. Look for these labels in the paint aisle:
Semi-gloss is one of the most versatile paint finishes because it is easy to clean and water-resistant, making it a great choice for your bathroom walls and trim. You have plenty of options when it comes to semi-gloss bathroom paints, such as:
You can also use semi-gloss on your bathroom cabinets. Look for products like BEHR Premium’s Semi-Gloss Enamel Interior Cabinet and Trim Paint.
Glossy paints offer the most protection from moisture. Glossy finishes are the easiest to clean, making them perfect for bathroom cabinets and trim. Here are some great gloss paint options for your bathroom project:
For an editorial, metallic or almost wet look in your bathroom, choose a full-gloss paint, such as:
If you’re repainting bathroom fixtures and hardware, look for rust-resistant paints. Metallic finishes may provide slightly more protection than matte finishes. Use a lacquer top-coat to help it last. Here are some labels to look for in the spray paint aisle:
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For the most natural reflection, choose a neutral color like white for bathroom walls. This will show stains easily, but it is one of the most popular choices for many reasons. Soft neutrals and pinks cast natural ambient light around the space and give you a healthy glow in the mirror.
Leave bold colors for painted cabinets. Select a desaturated color, like a foggy gray or sage green for a modern-looking bathroom.
Due to the moisture in the air from your showers and baths, choosing a paint color for your bathroom is an important decision. So, before selecting the perfect bathroom paint color, there are additional factors to consider, such as:
When selecting a paint color for your bathroom, you may not initially think about your mirror’s reflection as you shop. After all, light-colored or neutral walls can optimize the brightness and clarity of your mirror’s reflection because they reflect more light. In contrast, dark paint colors will absorb more light, resulting in a less vibrant reflection. Warm colors can cast a warm glow, while cooler colors can cast a cooler tone, affecting the reflection that you’ll see in the mirror.
Common problems in bathrooms are mold and mildew due to the moisture and humidity in these areas. Therefore, selecting a paint with mold and mildew resistance properties can prevent the growth of these fungi and protect the painted surfaces from damage. You can ensure that your bathroom remains clean, hygienic and free from the harmful effects of mold and mildew.
Paint peeling in your bathroom can be caused by several factors, including high humidity levels, improper surface preparation and using low-quality paint. To prevent paint peeling, make sure that you use a primer that is compatible with both the existing paint and the new coat of paint. For example, if you’re using oil-based paint on top of latex paint, you’ll need to use an oil-based primer for the best results.
Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies. She uses her home improvement expertise to give homeowners the knowledge they need to furnish and care for their homes.
In addition to being a contributing editor for Forbes, Corinne is a dynamic digital professional specializing in copywriting, copy editing and content strategy. With over eight years of experience at Bed Bath and Beyond, she has gained invaluable knowledge and expertise on everything related to the home. In her current role as SEO Editor, Corinne oversees the SEO content strategy for sites such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Bed Bath and Beyond Canada, buybuy BABY and Harmon Face Values.
Building A Glass House Jacob is the founder of Nail It Handyman, a leading handyman company in the tri-state area. With many years of experience in the construction industry, he revolutionized the small handyman industry. In his spare time, Jacob helps other small business owners with marketing and business systems.